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Replacement for GK MB150e 112

Tim Skaggs

Tim Skaggs

Sep 28, 2002
5,153
8,250
#1
I’m on the hunt for a new small combo amp to replace my GK MB150e 112. It’s been a good amp, but it’s a 2007 model and has currently entered its 4th round of failure. It still works to some degree, but is not reliable enough to gig, and the DI out is distorted, so I’ve decided not to repair a 4th time.

I’m looking for an economical replacement, under $400 if possible, but I can fudge on that if the perfect amp exists (has a few desired features);
-External speaker jack, w/capability to handle an 8 ohm extension speaker.
-Low impedance DI (separate DI output level control would be great)
-1st choice, 1x12” speaker, 2nd 1x10.
- 50 to 150 watts
-Lightweight!

I gig regularly and use IEMs. I’d go totally amp-less, but we choose to have live, but very low, stage volume through amps. For stage, we use electronic drums through an FRFR PA speaker, & the two guitarists use a mic on switchable 1 watt / 15 watt amps at the 1 watt setting, and I have been using the MB150e 112 by itself, or with an extension speaker if in a big room or outdoors. We have plenty of main PA if we need to get loud out front.

Experienced recommendations requested and appreciated!
 
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#3
Tim Skaggs said:
I’m on the hunt for a new small combo amp to replace my GK MB150e 112. It’s been a good amp, but it’s a 2007 model and has currently entered its 4th round of failure. It still works to some degree, but is not reliable enough to gig, and the DI out is distorted, so I’ve decided not to repair a 4th time.

I’m looking for an economical replacement, under $400 if possible, but I can fudge on that if the perfect amp exists (has a few desired features);
-External speaker jack, w/capability to handle an 8 ohm extension speaker.
-Low impedance DI (separate DI output level control would be great)
-1st choice, 1x12” speaker, 2nd 1x10.
- 50 to 150 watts
-Lightweight!

I gig regularly and use IEMs. I’d go totally amp-less, but we choose to have live, but very low, stage volume through amps. For stage, we use electronic drums through an FRFR PA speaker, & the two guitarists use a mic on switchable 1 watt / 15 watt amps at the 1 watt setting, and I have been using the MB150e 112 by itself, or with an extension speaker if in a big room or outdoors. We have plenty of main PA if we need to get loud out front.

Experienced recommendations requested and appreciated!
Click to expand...
I don't think there's a single combo under $400 with an external speaker jack.
Even in the Fender Rumble lineup.
=> Buy used?
 
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#4
The Traynor SB106 tics most of your boxes but price and speaker size. It’s versatile, extremely well built and surprisingly loud on its own.
Disclaimer : I work for the company that builds, distributes and sells them.

SB106 100 Watt Micro Bass Combo | Traynor

The Traynor SB106 is an unbelievable 9 by 12-inches and weighing in under 15 lbs, the 100-watt combo uses a studio monitor quality 6.5-inch speaker in its solid plywood and metal cabinet to deliver unmatched tone for close monitoring on controlled stages.
traynoramps.com traynoramps.com
 
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#5
This would be a huge upgrade to what you have imo:

gollihurmusic.com

Gollihur Series Bass Acoustic Array Pro Amplification (Exclusive)

GOLLIHUR EXCLUSIVE - This two-channel amp offers high-impedance instrument AND phantom-powered mic inputs, multi-band EQ, and a bass-centric speaker design based on the Bass Array 110. Just for upright and acoustic basses - and made specially for my customers. Also check out the matching 1x10...
gollihurmusic.com gollihurmusic.com
 
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#6
Roland GR 88 said:
The Traynor SB106 tics most of your boxes but price and speaker size. It’s versatile, extremely well built and surprisingly loud on its own.
Disclaimer : I work for the company that builds, distributes and sells them.

SB106 100 Watt Micro Bass Combo | Traynor

The Traynor SB106 is an unbelievable 9 by 12-inches and weighing in under 15 lbs, the 100-watt combo uses a studio monitor quality 6.5-inch speaker in its solid plywood and metal cabinet to deliver unmatched tone for close monitoring on controlled stages.
traynoramps.com traynoramps.com
Click to expand...
Hey, still appreciated. I haven’t amp shopped in a while and I don’t know what’s out there, but I know what I want. I’ll check it out.
 
#7
agedhorse said:
This would be a huge upgrade to what you have imo:

gollihurmusic.com

Gollihur Series Bass Acoustic Array Pro Amplification (Exclusive)

GOLLIHUR EXCLUSIVE - This two-channel amp offers high-impedance instrument AND phantom-powered mic inputs, multi-band EQ, and a bass-centric speaker design based on the Bass Array 110. Just for upright and acoustic basses - and made specially for my customers. Also check out the matching 1x10...
gollihurmusic.com gollihurmusic.com
Click to expand...
I’ll check that out. I did business with Bob years ago and have done some business with Mark.
 
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#9
Looks like the Peavey MAX 150 1x12 at $399.99 and 29.2 lbs. covers most of my list. There is no DI output level control, but that’s one item I can do without.

I’m not sure of Peavey’s current reliability. Most everything is built in the same country these days, but that doesn’t mean it is all good or all bad quality. Old stuff was tough, but some combo amps had mediocre tone at best. No telling what this one will sound like. Maybe I can find one in stock somewhere to try out…


If anyone else is looking for an amp with specs / features similar to what I listed;
Invalid Link Removed
 
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#10
Tim Skaggs said:
Looks like the Peavey MAX 150 1x12 at $399.99 and 29.2 lbs. covers most of my list. There is no DI output level control, but that’s one item I can do without.

I’m not sure of Peavey’s current reliability. Most everything is built in the same country these days, but that doesn’t mean it is all good or all bad quality. Old stuff was tough, but some combo amps had mediocre tone at best. No telling what this one will sound like. Maybe I can find one in stock somewhere to try out…


If anyone else is looking for an amp with specs / features similar to what I listed;
Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...
Yes, impressive specs for the price, kudos.

But I'm confused about the power rating:
  • In the list of features, it says "Up to 150 watts of power"
  • And in the specs tab, it says "Power: 120 Watts RMS"
  • So I suppose it's a 120W amp, and the 150 are just "marketing watts" or BS Watts. It doesn't make a huge difference, but still…
  • Usually when you have a speaker out in a combo you have a 8 ohm internal speaker and you can plug a 8 ohm external cab. It seems to be the case (I haven't found the impedance of the internal speaker !n the specs, it's probably 8 ohm).The power amp operates at 8 ohm when you use the combo alone, and at 4 ohm when you add a 8 ohm speaker. And in general, the power @ 4 ohm is the double of the power @ 8 ohm, so in general combos give the 2 specs, for example "200W with the internal speaker, 400W with added 8 ohm cab". So we don't know if this amp has a power of 60W with just the internal speaker / 120W with added 8 ohm cab, or 120W with the external speaker and 240W with external speaker.
 
#11
gtirard said:
Yes, impressive specs for the price, kudos.

But I'm confused about the power rating:
  • In the list of features, it says "Up to 150 watts of power"
  • And in the specs tab, it says "Power: 120 Watts RMS"
  • So I suppose it's a 120W amp, and the 150 are just "marketing watts" or BS Watts. It doesn't make a huge difference, but still…
  • Usually when you have a speaker out in a combo you have a 8 ohm internal speaker and you can plug a 8 ohm external cab. It seems to be the case (I haven't found the impedance of the internal speaker !n the specs, it's probably 8 ohm).The power amp operates at 8 ohm when you use the combo alone, and at 4 ohm when you add a 8 ohm speaker. And in general, the power @ 4 ohm is the double of the power @ 8 ohm, so in general combos give the 2 specs, for example "200W with the internal speaker, 400W with added 8 ohm cab". So we don't know if this amp has a power of 60W with just the internal speaker / 120W with added 8 ohm cab, or 120W with the external speaker and 240W with external speaker.
Click to expand...
Yes power rating is ambiguous but OP is using IEM and Guitarist are using low power amps they just want some low to maybe medium stage volume
So even if only 75 watts should be enough and I doubt he needs to add or want to another Cab
There is nothing in that price range with much more 'True' power
 
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#12
Besides the Peavey, check out the Acoustic brand combo from Giutar Center/Musician’s Friend. I used to play at a couple of churches that had the 200w 1x15 combo as their backline amp. They were reliable, easy to get a good tone from, and at least that model had plenty of volume. I have also played the Acoustic mini stack in a Guitar Center while trying out basses, and it sounded nice too.
 
#13
Tim Skaggs said:
Looks like the Peavey MAX 150 1x12 at $399.99 and 29.2 lbs. covers most of my list. There is no DI output level control, but that’s one item I can do without.

I’m not sure of Peavey’s current reliability. Most everything is built in the same country these days, but that doesn’t mean it is all good or all bad quality. Old stuff was tough, but some combo amps had mediocre tone at best. No telling what this one will sound like. Maybe I can find one in stock somewhere to try out…


If anyone else is looking for an amp with specs / features similar to what I listed;
Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...
My drummer has a Peavy 115 combo with a 210 extension cab and it’s been working fine for the last 7 years so I wouldn’t worry about their reliability.
 
#14
I use a GK MB150s a lot. When I’ve not had it available, I have used a GK MB200 and a SWR WM10T cabinet.

New, the amp runs about $400, but it is a super useful amp that sounds great and can drive small and large cabs, has aux in, direct out, and puts out 200w into 4 ohms.

I wouldn’t hesitate to use it as a main amp.
I’ve brought it with me on fly dates and use it for practice and recording at times.

It sounds a little deeper than the MB150s, but it clearly a GK amp with a similar tone.
 
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#15
gtirard said:
Yes, impressive specs for the price, kudos.

But I'm confused about the power rating:
  • In the list of features, it says "Up to 150 watts of power"
  • And in the specs tab, it says "Power: 120 Watts RMS"
  • So I suppose it's a 120W amp, and the 150 are just "marketing watts" or BS Watts. It doesn't make a huge difference, but still…
  • Usually when you have a speaker out in a combo you have a 8 ohm internal speaker and you can plug a 8 ohm external cab. It seems to be the case (I haven't found the impedance of the internal speaker !n the specs, it's probably 8 ohm).The power amp operates at 8 ohm when you use the combo alone, and at 4 ohm when you add a 8 ohm speaker. And in general, the power @ 4 ohm is the double of the power @ 8 ohm, so in general combos give the 2 specs, for example "200W with the internal speaker, 400W with added 8 ohm cab". So we don't know if this amp has a power of 60W with just the internal speaker / 120W with added 8 ohm cab, or 120W with the external speaker and 240W with external speaker.
Click to expand...
Definitely something flakey about the power ratings. I looked at a couple more of the MAX series combo specs and there are a few discrepancies.

The MAX 208 is listed at 200 Watts but also says “120 watts RMS” in the specs. Invalid Link Removed

The MAX 250 shows “150 watts RMS” at 4 ohms.
The MAX 300 shows “200 watts RMS at 3 ohms”
I’ll be sending Peavey a question or two about this.
 
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#17
agedhorse said:
The original MB-150E was a pretty expensive combo, a lot of performance is such a small package (with some accepted tradeoffs).
Click to expand...

This is very true. I bought mine in 1991 and spent about $750-800 if I remember correctly. It was a TON on money for me at that point in my life, but I still have the amp and use it for practice often. That's a decent deal in my book. It has also seen the most gigs out of all of my amps.

Thats something like 1,800 in 2025 dollars!
 
#18
shirojiro said:
This is very true. I bought mine in 1991 and spent about $750-800 if I remember correctly. It was a TON on money for me at that point in my life, but I still have the amp and use it for practice often. That's a decent deal in my book. It has also seen the most gigs out of all of my amps.

Thats something like 1,800 in 2025 dollars!
Click to expand...
Right, that's why I recommended the Genzler bass specific acoustic combo.
 
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